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Risotto alla Zucca (Traditional Italian Pumpkin Risotto)
Pumpkin risotto is a creamy, savory dish made with rice, pumpkin, broth, and various seasonings. It's a popular Northern Italian dish, especially in the regions where pumpkins are abundant during the fall season.The starchy rice and creamy texture of the pumpkin combine to create a luxurious mouthfeel, while the natural sweetness of the pumpkin contrasts beautifully with the savory ingredients.
450gpumpkin1 pound (the pulp of butternut squash or cabocha)
1onionmedium
1.5litersbroth6 cups, vegetable
400grice2 cups, Carnaroli or Arborio
80gbutter¾ stick, unsalted
120gParmigiano Reggiano1 ⅓ cups, grated
3tablespoonsolive oilextra virgin
pepperto taste (optional)
altto taste
Instructions
Remove the seeds and skin of the pumpkin and cut it into small pieces.
Cut the onion and place it in a stainless steel pan with the oil and half the butter. Let it sautè over low heat for about 5 minutes.
Add the pieces of pumpkin and a little of hot vegetable stock.
Let cook covered with the lid for about 10 minutes until the pumpkin starts to become soft. When the pumpkin has absorbed almost all of the broth and you see that the onion and pumpkin have become a cream, add the rice.
Mix well and then add the hot vegetable broth, very little at a time stirring constantly. Then let it cook; it will take about 15 minutes. Add a little fine salt according to your taste.
Finally turn off the heat and add the Parmigiano cheese and the remaining butter. Mix to make the pumpkin risotto creamy. If you like, add some freshly ground black pepper. Serve pumpkin risotto immediately, hot and creamy.